Fourth July 2008
Following the War of Independence, which raged for over a year, on the 2nd July 1776 congress voted to declare America independence from Britain. On the 4th July 1776 in a historic session the Continental Congress accepted the Declaration of Independence written by Thomas Jefferson under the instructions of a five-member committee.
The important message in that declaration can be summed up in the following words: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness."
Since then American's have celebrated their freedom on this day with parades, barbecues, picnics and fireworks with their friends and families. To help you celebrate the day Joy and I have put together for your enjoyment a selection of shows relating to the 4th of July, America's Day of Independence.
It's interesting to note that on the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence America lost two of its founding fathers. John Adams died July 4th, 1826, several hours after Thomas Jefferson.
Happy listening my friends,
